Online Learning Opportunities Park Vista High School Guidance Department Online Learning Opportunities

Why should I take an online class?

Reasons to sign up Meet online course requirement Earn grade forgiveness or missed credit from a prior semester Accelerate coursework

Required Coursework for High School Graduation 4 Credits in English 4 Credits in Math (must include Algebra & Geometry) 3 Credits in Science (must include Bio. & a physical sci.) 3 Credits in Social Sciences (World History, American History, Economics & American Government) 1 Credit PE (Personal Fitness & PE elective) 1 Credit Performing, Fine, or Practical Art 8 Credits of Electives 1 course must be completed through online learning In addition to the required coursework, students must earn a 2.0 GPA, pass the required state assessments, and complete 20 hours of community service.

Online Course Requirement The 2011 legislature enacted the “Digital Learning Now Act”, mandating that high school students successfully complete one virtual course as part of the required 24 high school credits, beginning with the 2014-15 graduation class.

Meeting the Requirement Students can take any course listed in the online course directory One exception: current 9th graders can take Drivers’ Ed, but it will not meet the online course requirement Students must complete an entire course. If there are 2 semesters to the course, students must take both semesters

Time Frame for Completion Course must be completed by graduation to earn a standard diploma. Juniors who are interested in getting a parking decal for their senior year must have their online course (and 20 hours of community service) completed by August 1, 2014.

Credit/GPA Recovery IS YOUR CHILD “ON TRACK” FOR GRADUATION? Students must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the proper number of credits in order to be considered “ON TRACK” for graduation

Promotion to the Next Grade Level Promotion to the next grade level is determined by the number of credits that a student needs to graduate 12th grade – 7 credits or less 11th grade – 13 credits or less 10th grade – 19 credits or less

Forgiveness Rule Students may repeat a course for forgiveness if they earned a D or an F in 9-12 grade or a C, D, or F in a high school course taken in middle school. A course may be forgiven only if the student receives a grade of C or higher on the subsequent attempt. Students earning a grade of a D on the repeat effort earn credit for the course; however, the initial failing grade is not forgiven. Students may again choose to repeat the same course, and upon receiving a grade of C or higher, all earlier grades will be forgiven. A required course may be forgiven by the same or a comparable course taken subsequently. A non-specific course may be forgiven by another course in the same subject area (Physics can forgive Ecology) A elective course may be forgiven by another elective.

Forgiveness Rule In all cases of grade forgiveness, the new grade of C or higher will be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA for graduation. However, the initial D or F will remain as part of the academic history. Students should be advised that many universities calculate GPAs based on all courses attempted.

Accelerate Coursework Required High School Course Units for the State University System The units listed below represent the minimum required for admission consideration: 4 units of English 4 units of mathematics at the Algebra I level and higher 3 units of natural science, at least two with laboratory experience 3 units of social science 2 sequential units of the same foreign language or American Sign Language 2 elective units, preferably in the above subject areas HOWEVER….

Typical Course Units for the State University System Satisfying these minimum required units does not guarantee admission. The typical student accepted to Florida State has 4.5 units of English 5.5 units of math 4.5 units of natural science 5 units of social science 3.5 units of foreign language. -- FSU Website Some students use online learning to earn additional academic credits for university admission.

What are my options for Online Learning?

Florida Virtual School Students may register at www.flvs.net Students may select up to 3 classes concurrently Students have a 14 day grace period to try out classes Course are taught, graded, and paced by an actual Florida Certified instructor.

Contacting Your FLVS Teacher Teachers and students interact regularly through email, voice mail, telephone conversations, and instant messenger. Teachers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, as well as during weekend hours. Students are encouraged to contact the teacher when there is a need of any kind. Teachers speak via telephone with students and their parents at least once per month

Work Load Expectation Each student is required to submit a specific amount of work each week to maintain the appropriate pace decided on by teacher and student. The number of required weekly submissions depends on the course taken. Failure to maintain pace results in warnings, reduced grades and, if unheeded, withdrawal from the course.

The Pace Chart All FLVS courses have a Pace Chart embedded in them. This allows students to know exactly what is expected to be submitted on a weekly basis, whether they choose a traditional, extended or accelerated pace. Students can progress at a faster pace than the pacing chart and complete the class sooner.

Selecting a Course

Course Listings

Course Description

Selecting a Course Some suggested classes for meeting the online requirement: Personal and Family Finances Parenting Skills Social Media Outdoor Education Driver’s Education (Current 10th and 11th graders only)

How to Sign Up

How to Sign Up Click on “Sign Up” and then “New Student Starts Here”. Click on “I live in Florida” and choose Palm Beach County. Choose a student type – Public/Charter School Student Under Education level – choose regular, honors, or AP Choose a course and complete the following Which segment (semester) do you want to take? Choose earliest preferred start date. Reason you are taking an FLVS course. Is this on your course schedule with your school? How did you hear about us? (no referral code needed) My Backpack will appear with your selected course – click continue. Create your account and finish your signup.

What Happens Next? Counselors will approve the course you signed up for on FLVS. We check the website daily to approve courses. Check your FLVS account daily to see a message from the teacher welcoming your to the class. (You will not see a message in your private email, you MUST check the FLVS website.) It may take a day or it may take weeks to be assigned to the class. Many popular classes fill up quickly.

This process may take several weeks. Earning Your Grade FLVS sends final grades to Park Vista once a course has been completed. The final grade is entered into the computer and a student’s graduation status is updated. This process may take several weeks.

Credit Lab/e2020 The Adult Credit Program provides high school students the opportunity to make up classes that were not completed successfully (due to failed courses or GPAs in need of improvement to earn a High School Diploma). The purpose of this program is to allow students an opportunity to graduate with a High School Diploma.  Students must obtain a signed permission slip from your counselor. All enrollment and registration forms will be completed at PVCHS. The credit lab program uses the computer based credit/GPA recovery program E2020. Working diligently a student can expect to complete ½ credit, possibly up to 1 full credit during the semester.

Students Best Served by e2020 E2020 courses are not recognized by the NCAA or Bright Futures. This is not the best online option for student athletes or students who intend to attend 4 year universities. E2020 is designed for course remediation. It allows for accelerated progress.

Credit Lab Hours MONDAYS – THURSDAYS 3:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. Media Center Computer Lab If interested, have your child see their guidance counselor for the registration forms.

Home School Programs Students may elect, with permission of their parent, to complete courses for credit towards graduation by enrolling in a regionally accredited correspondence school or credit program.   Any costs associated with these programs are solely the responsibility of the student, parent, or guardian.  Student participation in these programs is OPTIONAL and does not imply endorsement. This information is provided for your convenience. Regionally Accredited Correspondence Programs information was verified with the Florida Department of Education. The listing is available at this website: http://www.palmbeachschools.org/9044HE/documents/RegAccrCorrPgmsApril2009.pdf

Questions? Guidance Counselors Peter Tarini A – Co Megen Stair Cr – E and 504 Students Theresa Varano F – K Mary Turner L – O Rick Dewalt P – Sq Betsy Lyon St – Z